Friday, September 9, 2011

Well, my hubby and I went up to see the surgeon yesterday and I had my list of questions for him in my hand. I was a little surprised that he didn't have us come into his office for the meeting. We were just in the examination room. I was so glad my hubby came because he had his own questions that went along with the ones I had asked. The doctor said the reason he needs to remove my band is because my esophagus isn't working the way it should. It isn't moving the food down through the band. Also, the band is smaller than the bands currently being used and since it is smaller it is like there is restriction even when unfilled. He said the newer bands when unfilled are like no band at all. It sounded to us (hubby and me) like the band has damaged me and should not have been used to begin with since there was a choice then for a larger band.

I explained that I felt as though the last 2 1/2 years of what I've gone through was a waste since I haven't lost weight and just bounced up and down a few pounds here and there. He indicated he totally understood how I feel. He is also a lapband patient and knows how I feel about having to lose my band. It's like a part of me is going away. Like the friend inside me that kept me from being hungry all the time and helped me lose almost 100 pounds won't be there anymore.

As for replacing it with another band or the vertical sleeve, he said it would take time to heal before he would consider another surgery. He feels the larger band would be the better choice and if we go with another surgery he could see how things look at that time and try to go with the vertical sleeve but if there is too much scar tissue he would just go with the larger band.

My husband asked him how he likes his band. He turned to me and said, "how do you like yours?" I said, "I love my band" and he indicated he feels the same way. So now I have to wait for the call to go for my pre-op and soon I won't have my lovely little friend anymore. I am saddened by this but I am trying to keep a positive outlook. I am thinking of going to a Weight Watchers meeting and getting the info on the newest Points program.. I am a lifetime member so I don't have to pay registration fees. Right now I can't eat much fruit because of the band. In fact I ate one grape a couple of days ago after dinner and the next morning a piece of it came back up. It never went through the band. So I am looking forward to being able to eat pineapple again and watermelon and other fiberous fruits and veggies.

I was so grateful my husband came with me. He was my rock and his being there kept me from turning into a crying mess.

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comments:

It sounds like your doctor is a good one and knows what he is talking about. Your body will need some healing time and just think, it wasn't all for nothing either. A weight loss of 100 pounds is nothing to sneeze at for sure. I'm glad you have your wonderful understanding hubby for support. That does make a huge difference. I've also heard a lot of great things about Weight Watchers so that will also help you.

I am happy you had a good appointment and that you and your husband BOTH got some answers. I know you love your band, but I would seriously consider a revision. If you put another band in, what will happen down the road, say in 5 years? The nurse at my surgeon's office had a band for 5 years and her stomach grew around it...she revised to a RNY. I know you will find your own path, but I would hate for you to be in the same boat down the road. I love my sleeve and know that it is my permanent tool. Hugs, I know this isn't easy.

Kathy I am so sorry that you are having to go through this!! But like the others, I am really glad that your Husband went with you to the appointment.

Which is why I always like for my Walt to go with me. He is the strong one, and always asks the important/difficult questions for me, should I forget. He is also a bit of a tattle tale on me too!! LOL

But like the others said, losing 100 lbs is a great feat! I just wish that I had lost more than I have, but I only have myself to blame for that!

Keep us posted on your progress, I am sure that your Doctor is right in at least the one thing, you need to allow your body time to heal itself after your Surgery before considering what to do later....

If it were me, I would choose the Sleeve, but only you know what you are comfortable with.

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About Me

My husband and I both retired almost 9 years ago and moved to Oregon. We love it here. I had Lapband surgery in 2008 and I'm still trying to lose the last 20 pounds. I recently started quilting and I find it very rewarding and fun. I also love to cook and try new recipes.